The effectiveness of learner-involvement strategies

Estyn have concluded a three-year study into the effectiveness of learner involvement strategies in post-16 education and training.  The final report, focusing on work-based and adult community learning, has just been published.  You can see Estyn’s findings and recommendations in the three reports here

Barriers to Apprenticeships

Estyn is conducting a two-year thematic review of equality issues in Apprenticeship programmes, to look generally at engagement and the difficulties experienced by learners from black, minority ethnic and disabled groups, as well as good practice models.  A report was published in November 2014 and the final report will be published Summer 2015.

Revisions to AS and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics deferred until 2017

The Welsh Government has decided that the reform of AS and A levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics in Wales should be put back a year, with revised courses being taught.

Views wanted on proposals for revised GCSEs and GCEs for first teaching in 2016

WJEC are seeking stakeholder views on content and assessment proposals for qualifications being reformed for first teaching in 2016.  Please go to WJEC’s website 0and spare a few minutes to answer questions on these proposals.

Areas of Learning and programmes of study: Phase 1 - literacy and numeracy: glossary of terms

Now available a glossary of terms for schools and settings to help create a better understanding and consistency of use of the terms within the revised Areas of Learning and programmes of study. 

Recruitment of Schools Challenge Cymru Advisers – applications open until 22 December!

Apply to become a Schools Challenge Cymru Adviser (SCCA) and play a major role in raising attainment in secondary schools.

CERN have announced the dates for their High School Summer School Teachers Programme.

Calling all secondary school physics teachers, this is a free course located in Switzerland, from 5 – 25 July 2015. Applications are open now until 15 February 2015.  To apply for possible participation go to CERN recruitment portal

Have yourself a very Welsh Christmas

The new Pethau Bychain campaign (Pethau Dolig) is encouraging everyone to have a very Welsh Christmas this year by learning and using the language during the festive period. Follow @iaithfyw on Twitter or like the Cymraeg page on Facebook to get a suggestion each day on how Welsh can be used in the run-up to the 25 December.  https://www.facebook.com/Cymraeg?fref=ts

Harmonising school term dates for 2016 to 2017

This consultation seeks your views on the proposed term dates and draft direction. Your contributions will help to ensure that we get the right set of dates in place for our maintained schools in Wales.

Call for new panel members to advise the Welsh Language Commissioner

First Minister, Carwyn Jones, is encouraging people to apply to become members of an advisory panel to support the Welsh Language Commissioner in crucial work to promote the language.

UK news and updates

Have you seen? The latest available Welsh and bilingual learning resources - December 2014

Take a look at the latest resources we have commissioned to support teaching and learning.

Sesiynau cefnogaeth Hwb+

O fis Ionawr 2015, mae tîm Hwb yn cynnig cyfle i athrawon archebu sesiynau cefnogaeth 1 i 1 gydag un o arweinwyr digidol Hwb. Mae’r sesiynau ar gael fel rhai 45 munud neu awr. Gan gynnig hyblygrwydd llwyr, gall athrawon fynychu sesiynau wyneb yn wyneb, dros y ffôn, neu drwy ddefnyddio cyswllt Lync. Mae’r nifere sesiynau yn gyfyngedig, felly archebwch yn gynnar i osgoi cael eich siomi. Am ragor o wybodaeth ac i archebu sesiwn, ewch i Hwb.

Hwb Content Team

New this week, Wales during the First World War – a substantial collection of photos and videos featuring locations all over Wales.

Back due to popular demand, the e-Chalk collection, formerly available on NGfL Cymru, is now on Hwb. Please note that this collection can only be accessed if you are logged in to Hwb from a school in Wales. 

Employer Perspectives Survey

What do employers think about the recruitment system in Wales and the UK?  The Employer Perspectives Survey 2014 paints a picture of employer perspectives of, and experiences in, the recruitment and skills landscape in Wales and the UK.  The survey covers areas such as training, Apprenticeships, work experience, and vocational qualifications.  

The National Survey

The National Survey included a series of questions about parents’ satisfaction with schools and their child’s education. This Education report provides further analysis following the first release of data in May 2014.